MaXhosa Africa will stage its first Durban showcase at this year’s race day, and the details are worth paying attention to.
When Laduma Ngxokolo founded MaXhosa Africa, the vision was always bigger than knitwear. It was about reframing what African luxury looks like on a global stage, on its own terms. That vision is now pulling into Durban.
This July, MaXhosa Africa will host its first-ever fashion showcase in Durban, timed to one of South Africa’s most watched social occasions, the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The show will be staged as part of Saso’s Marquee Experience, the hospitality concept helmed by Lusaso “Saso” Ngcobo that took home Best Marquee honours at last year’s event.
The partnership was unveiled at an exclusive launch event hosted at MaXhosa Africa’s Johannesburg headquarters, where guests got a glimpse into what organisers describe as an immersive celebration of contemporary African luxury.
What makes this more than a typical race day fashion moment is what MaXhosa is actually bringing to the floor. The showcase will debut pieces from the brand’s bespoke and atelier departments, work that hasn’t been seen publicly before. For followers of the brand, that’s significant. MaXhosa’s ready-to-wear has already earned the house international recognition, including a standout appearance at Paris Fashion Week. The atelier side of things represents a quieter, more considered expression of what the MaXhosa team is capable of, and Durban will be its first public stage.
Ngxokolo has been candid about why this felt like the right move and the right partner. “To partner with entities such as Saso’s Marquee Experience creates parallels where we are able to extend our reach as brand MaXhosa to a province that has welcomed us with open arms,” he said at the launch, held at the MaXhosa headquarters in Johannesburg.
“We’re honoured to get to a stage where we are able to showcase who we are as a brand beyond just the fashion, but introduce our elements of curation and addition to popular culture.” – Laduma Ngxokolo
For Lusaso “Saso” Ngcobo, founder of Saso’s Marquee Experience, the collaboration represents a shared vision rooted in celebrating African excellence.
“Partnering with MaXhosa Africa felt like a natural alignment of vision and values. Both brands are passionate about celebrating African excellence at the highest level. This partnership allows us to create a truly immersive experience that blends culture, luxury, fashion and entertainment in a way that feels authentic and aspirational,” said Ngcobo.
On the entertainment side, Amapiano heavyweight Kabza De Small has been confirmed as the first headline act, with more names expected to follow before the doors open on 4 July.
The Durban July has long been as much about culture as it is about horses, and this year’s MaXhosa showcase adds a layer of genuine fashion significance to the occasion. For anyone paying attention to where African design is headed, it’s worth being in the room.
* The Hollywoodbets Durban July takes place on 4 July 2026 and tickets are available on Ticketpro.
